It will deliver around 2,310 direct jobs, the majority of which will be suitable for local people, and a further 1,155 jobs in the wider economy. It will provide sectors such as manufacturing, technology and construction with increased opportunities to access new and existing products at lower cost thereby delivering efficiencies and cost benefits. This in turn will support the growth and development of supply chains by enabling them to access emerging markets and contribute to increased visibility and potential revenue growth.
The ITC will act as a catalyst to investment as part of the wider Wirral Waters scheme and it offers the prospect of raising the profile of the area amongst investors on an international stage. An outline planning application has been submitted by Peel Holdings to Wirral Council and it is intended that the first phase of the development will progress in 2012.
The Peel ITC will be a series of multi-purpose buildings with either 2 or 3 levels with an approximate total floor area of 230,000 sq m (2,500,000 sq ft) and with a total capacity for over 1,000 business occupiers. Each building will comprise individual trade showroom units, storage and assembly facilities, serviced offices, a flexible exhibition space and ancillary services.
These goods can cover most sectors and business lines such as electrical and technology, clothing and fashion, kitchenware, furniture, fixtures & fittings, DIY products, building materials, toys, garden products, sporting goods, household items and so much more.
The Peel ITC concept is new to the UK and Western Europe, with no clear precedent schemes currently in operation. Significant potential has been identified for this market to be developed in the UK.
The Peel ITC will be a phased investment that is expected to develop and mature over a ten year period in parallel with the success of the concept with an initial phase being delivered over the next 2-3 years. Phase 1 of the Peel ITC will provide for approximately 300 small occupiers, which is expected to grow to over 1,000 when all phases are in place.